PFAS and refrigeration: between European restrictions and ongoing critical issues for the HVAC/R sector
The European restriction on PFAS enters a decisive phase, with exemptions and critical issues for the refrigeration sector.
The issue of PFAS is entering an increasingly concrete phase in the European regulatory landscape, with direct implications for the refrigeration sector as well. Following the work of ECHA 's scientific committees, the proposed restriction on these substances —already among the most far-reaching ever addressed at the European level— is approaching a decisive stage , involving technical opinions, consultations, and possible operational applications.
For the HVAC/R world, this is a delicate transition: the management of refrigerants no longer concerns only the Global Warming Potential (GWP) , but also the environmental persistence of the substances , introducing new variables in the transition of the sector.
State of the art: EU restrictions and derogations under consideration
ECHA committees have expressed a favorable position towards a large-scale restriction of PFAS , while recognizing the need for targeted derogations for specific industrial applications.
The regulatory process is still evolving and involves several phases, including a public consultation and subsequent evaluation by the European Commission . The goal is to define a balance between environmental protection and technical and economic sustainability for the supply chains involved.
In this context, the refrigeration sector is among those most affected, as many solutions currently used are part of the family of fluorinated compounds being analyzed.
The remaining issues: alternatives, costs, and technical feasibility
Alongside the regulatory process, however, some critical issues emerge that make the PFAS issue particularly complex for the HVAC/R sector.
Among the main open questions are:
- limited availability of fully equivalent alternatives in some applications
- economic impacts related to the replacement of existing technologies
- transition times potentially not aligned with operational needs
- need to redesign systems and plants already installed
These elements highlight how the transition cannot be considered only from a regulatory perspective, but requires an in-depth evaluation of the technical and industrial implications.
Impacts on refrigeration and the cold chain
For industry players, the PFAS issue is part of a context already characterized by the HFC phase-down and growing regulatory pressure. The introduction of new restrictions could therefore further accelerate the transition to natural refrigerants and low-impact solutions, but with greater complexity than in the past.
In particular, companies today find themselves having to:
- evaluate alternative technological scenarios
- plan medium-long term investments
- manage the risk associated with refrigerant availability
- update technical and design skills
This is a change that involves the entire supply chain, from design to plant maintenance.
Towards a new phase in the refrigerant transition
The regulatory evolution on PFAS marks an important step in the transition of the HVAC/R sector, introducing increasingly complex criteria for the evaluation of the substances used.
The challenge is no longer just about reducing emissions, but about developing sustainable solutions throughout the entire life cycle of plants, also considering their long-term environmental impact.
In this scenario, the ability to anticipate changes and adapt technological strategies becomes a decisive factor in ensuring competitiveness and regulatory compliance in an ever-evolving market.
FAQ
European restrictions on PFAS have a particularly significant impact on systems using fluorinated refrigerants (HFC/HFO), typical of commercial and industrial refrigeration and advanced air conditioning. The most exposed sectors are large-scale retail trade, cold chain logistics, and industrial processes, where operational continuity and safety are priorities. During the design phase, it is necessary to evaluate alternatives such as natural refrigerants (CO₂, NH₃, hydrocarbons), while considering regulatory constraints, safety (ATEX, toxicity), and system compatibility.
The transition is complex due to the lack of a fully stable and harmonized regulatory framework. Uncertainties remain regarding timelines, exemptions, and classifications, making long-term investment planning difficult. From a technical standpoint, alternatives to PFAS often require plant redesign, new installation skills, and regulatory compliance (high pressures for CO₂, toxicity management for NH₃, flammability for hydrocarbons). This leads to higher initial costs and greater attention to operator training.
In the medium term, designers and installers will need to adopt a more integrated and flexible approach, focusing on refrigerant selection based on the specific application and regulatory context. Safety-oriented design, life cycle assessment (LCC), and overall energy efficiency will become increasingly important. Furthermore, integrating advanced control systems will be essential to optimize performance with alternative refrigerants while ensuring regulatory compliance, reliability, and reduced environmental impact.
